Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure planned

December 24, 2013

Planning for the eighth annual Susan G. Komen Southwest Florida Race for the Cure is well underway with more activities and ways to be involved than ever before in Southwest Florida. The Race for the Cure takes place on March 8, 2014 at Coconut Point Mall in Estero, kicking off with a celebratory "Pre-Pink Out Party" at Coconut Point the night before the race.

An enthusiastic group of volunteers and race chair Ann Simon are responsible for keeping the annual race fresh and filled with new activities. For the first time, a Kids for the Cure will feature kids' activities, games, prizes and fun. A "Man Cave" will be set up for men to relax and enjoy the day with games and refreshments. Live bands called "Bands for the Cure" will donate their time by playing along the route. Entertainment and ceremonies will be concentrated behind Hollywood Theaters on the via Coconut side of the mall to create a friendlier environment. And back by popular demand, the Flowers of Hope display will once again feature pink tulips planted along the running course in honor of or in memory of a person who battled cancer.

On March 7, from 5 to 9 p.m., a first time ever "Pre-Pink Out Party" kicks off the event with live musical entertainment, refreshments and race registration. Breast cancer survivors will enjoy beauty makeovers by the Survivor Glam Squad including hair, makeup and glamour photos.

New volunteers are welcome. The committee meets once per month at the offices of Susan G. Komen Southwest Florida at 26800 S. Tamiami Trail (suite 210) in Bonita Springs, Fla. Additional meetings may be scheduled more frequently in the two weeks leading up to the Race.

In 1982, Nancy Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. As part of that promise, the Race for the Cure series was developed as a means to fund education, research and early detection of breast cancer. In 2013, the Southwest Florida Affiliate of Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure was able to grant more than $600,000 in funds in the five-county area for mammograms, treatment and services.

For more information, to register for the Race for the Cure, or to get involved as a volunteer or sponsorship for the Race, call 498-0016 or visit www.Komenswfl.org.